Tiernan Parsons Pty Ltd accounting and financial services firm are moving to a larger tenancy within the same building they currently occupy. When the decision to move was made to relocate, the firm’s co-founders key commitments where to create an open, light and comfortable environment for staff.
Our streamlined approach of the designer working directly with the builder, Symmetry Commercial, successfully provided Tiernan Parsons with a streamlined process, ensured the budget was maintained, the program met the client’s & base building management deadlines. Having worked with Symmetry on many projects, the build process is the exciting stage for us as well as the client, witnessing the concept come together in the built form. Symmetry project manage all stages of the construction process, including details such as liaison with building management for site accesses, down to delivery and placement of furniture and fittings.
The client was guided through the process of design, concepts, furnishings and finishes for various areas were story-boarded to give a thorough understanding of the concept.
Staff were moving from standard 1800 x 1800 workstations to a smaller, more compact straight desking system, and the perceived loss of personal space. Therefore our first task was to address storage requirements & consider options for personal storage and creating an adaptable desking style that staff could modify themselves to suit their own style of work. The Mojo system from Plansystem also gave the firm flexibility for expansion for future staff growth.
Secondly, introducing elements into the workplace such as planters to divide work areas and provide a more intimate environment within an open area; blackboard paint on walls to create opportunity for informal & dynamic discussion points. Another element that the co-founders acknowledged is the importance of alternative solution of sitting to work: positions are provided for staff to stand and work, therefore alleviating the postural problems created by sitting for long periods.
The co-founders have also embraced new computer technology, provide staff with computer tablets that can be carried from one desk to another, or into a meeting room, as an alternative to PC’s in fixed locations. This flexible system allows staff to hot desk, or move to a meeting area or quiet zone for work requiring concentration.
Our use of Revit allowed for the design to evolve in 3D as the planning progressed, resulting in the capability to provide rendered images of the front of house areas, and Isometric views of the overall layout.
A modest budget for the front of house area set a challenge for the designer to transform the tiny entry into a bespoke greet & meet area with plenty of visual impact. Although the firm does not have regular visitors, they do have a need for a meeting & conference facility, providing presentations for 30 visitors. Our strategy was to provide a simple yet visually enticing design that would be instantly recognisable and used to reinforce the Tiernan Parsons brand. As the reception area is very compact, the counter was designed as low & small as practicable, whilst still catering to all the needs of the receptionist. The design is simple yet playful, with warm timber tones and a hint of the bright teal corporate colour. The client’s main request in the briefing process was for a feature wall behind reception; tones of grey and white paint was used to re-create the graphic elements of the firm’s logo on a large scale to reinforce the brand, and wrap around the small rear wall to create the illusion of a larger element. The designer’s suggestion to replace some of the existing carpet with a feature teal carpet tile, draws the visitor’s attention from the lobby area, and further underlines the brand graphics.
Here at LEID, we are committed to using environmentally sustainable finishes & Australian made product where possible, and among those are the vibrant teal colour replicated in Ontera‘s Colours With Attitude, in Samurai, used for the feature carpet tile insert, which we love because it’s locally made and available on short lead times, custom designs & small quantities, allowing us to create a unique look for a client and maximum visual impact on a budget. Low VOC (Volatile organic compound) paints are specified, and Dulux “Salt Lake” continues the theme of bright hues, contrasting with the corporate grey tones. Other finishes used included Chelsea Q sustainable fabrics from Sustainable Living Fabrics, which are Australian made, and Woven Image‘s Echopanel Tilt, again complimenting the grey tones, with great ESD credentials, and has the added acoustic benefits essential in an open office environment.
The finished result is a design that is tightly knit together, where all elements are carefully considered, to reinforce the firm’s brand, and provide an enjoyable environment for staff to work. Keep in touch for more of the finished project in the weeks to come as construction commences…..
Builder: Symmetry Commercial
Project: Melbourne Office
Description: Office fitout
Role: Project design & documentation.
Date: 2014
Lisa Elliott Interior Design 